Tourism Info Nepal

Western Travel Mart 2025 Concludes Successfully, Promotes Local Cuisine and Cross-Border Tourism

Western Travel Mart 2025 Concludes Successfully, Promotes Local Cuisine and Cross-Border Tourism

The third edition of the Western Travel Mart, organized under the leadership of NATTA Banke Chapter, has concluded successfully in Nepalgunj. Held with a strong focus on boosting tourism in western Nepal, the two-day event featured various thematic programs aimed at promoting regional cuisine, showcasing natural attractions, and enhancing cross-border tourism with India.

Culinary Delights Take Center Stage at Tribhuvan Chowk

A major highlight of the Western Travel Mart was the Raithane Khana Mahotsav (Indigenous Food Festival), popularly known as the Food Lane, organized at Tribhuvan Chowk in Nepalgunj. The festival witnessed a large turnout from locals who came to taste traditional Nepali street foods such as chaat, dahi-bara, panipuri, sel roti, momos, chowmein, and fresh juices.

However, some traditional items like dahi-rabri, biryani, kebabs, chhole-bhature, and halwa-paratha, which are part of Nepalgunj’s rich culinary identity, were notably missing. Sunita Gupta, a local resident attending the food festival, expressed her disappointment about the absence of these iconic dishes.

Local Leaders Highlight Tourism Potential

Speaking at the inauguration, Nepalgunj Mayor Prashant Bista stated that such events are vital in promoting traditional cuisine and reviving the tourism potential of the city. “The food festival will not only strengthen our cultural identity but also help attract domestic and foreign tourists,” he said.

NATTA Banke President Shree Ram Sigdel remarked that the Mart was an attempt to breathe life back into the once-thriving Nepalgunj market. Echoing this sentiment, Bhim Bahadur Ranabhat, General Secretary of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the importance of such initiatives to revive the city’s economic activity, which has slowed since federal restructuring.

Collaboration Across Sectors and Borders

The Mart was executed in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, the Banke Hotel Association, and local entrepreneurs. On the second day, Indian tour operators, journalists, and tourism stakeholders were taken for rafting on the Karnali River and a visit to the Bardiya National Park, highlighting the region’s untapped eco-tourism offerings.

The event served as a platform to strengthen Nepal-India cross-border tourism, which is one of the key objectives of the Mart. Indian participants expressed great enthusiasm. Rajesh Sinha, President of the Lucknow-based Travel and Trade Welfare Association, emphasized the growing interest among Indian tourists in visiting Nepal. He called on the Nepali government to make travel and accommodation more seamless for Indian visitors.

Promoting Regional Destinations to Indian Markets

The presence of Indian tour operators, journalists, and travel influencers played a pivotal role in promoting western Nepal’s tourism attractions, including religious and cultural heritage sites. NATTA Banke President Sigdel emphasized that the Mart had successfully paved the way to bring more Indian tourists into western Nepal. He also announced that the budget and expenses of the Mart will be transparently disclosed through a press conference within 15 days.

According to the press statement, the Nepal Tourism Board allocated NPR 2.6 million, and Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City contributed NPR 500,000 (with tax) to support the event.

Objectives and Strategic Vision

As part of the NTB’s annual calendar, the Western Travel Mart 2025 emphasized cross-border tourism, familiarization trips (FAM trips), and business-to-business (B2B) interactions. The primary aim was to familiarize national and international tour operators and media with the region’s hotels, tourist destinations, cultural assets, and local cuisines.

Sigdel noted that NATTA Banke has consistently worked to introduce new tourism products in Nepalgunj with each edition of the Mart. Last year’s edition saw the initiation of Maha Aarti at Bageshwori Temple and the Manasarovar Mountain Flight. This year, the focus was on exploring the viability of establishing a permanent Street Food Lane at Tribhuvan Chowk.

Funding and Future Plans

The Food Lane initiative received NPR 100,000 from Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City and NPR 300,000 (with tax) from the Lumbini Province Tourism Development Council. However, organizers acknowledge the need for further review and strategic planning to sustain and expand such initiatives.

Sigdel concluded the Mart by expressing heartfelt gratitude to tourism stakeholders, local entrepreneurs, municipal authorities, law enforcement, media, and the general public for their unwavering support. He emphasized that only with collective effort can Nepalgunj reclaim its status as a vibrant commercial and tourist hub.

Closing Remarks

The Western Travel Mart 2025 has not only celebrated the culinary heritage of Nepalgunj but also opened new doors for sustainable cross-border tourism development. With active involvement from Indian stakeholders and strategic backing from Nepal’s tourism institutions, the Mart has positioned Nepalgunj as a key player in the growth of regional tourism.

As Nepalgunj continues to host such events and promote its unique assets, from traditional foods to natural wonders like the Karnali River and Bardia National Park, it is expected to attract increased tourist footfall and economic revitalization in the days to come.

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